University President Participates in Judging Sheikh Al-Sufi International Prize
The coastal city of Mombasa in Kenya recently concluded the fourth edition of the Sheikh Ali Al-Sufi International Quran Recitation Prize, which witnessed the participation of distinguished scholars and renowned Quran reciters from across the world. Among the members of the elite judging panel was the University President, Professor Waleed bin Idrees Al-Meneesi, who took part alongside leading experts in Quranic readings.
Professor Al-Meneesi arrived in Mombasa on Friday, November 28, 2025, marking the beginning of his official participation in the event. He received a warm scholarly welcome hosted by His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Abu Yasser Mborali, Minister of Higher Education in Mombasa, who accompanied him on an academic field visit to the Kisauni Islamic Institute, one of the most prominent religious educational institutions in East Africa. Founded in 1982 by the late scholar Sheikh Siraj Al-Rahman Al-Nadwi, the institute has produced more than 25,000 graduates who have gone on to play influential roles in the academic and religious landscape in Kenya and beyond.
During the visit, Professor Al-Meneesi reviewed the institute’s academic programs and scholarly activities across its various levels, from secondary education to diploma and university studies, with its certificates officially accredited by the Kenyan government. He also met with the current director of the institute, Dr. Musa Shawari, a PhD graduate of the Islamic University of Minnesota, and was briefed on the institute’s pioneering model that integrates formal education with specialized Islamic training. Additionally, Professor Al-Meneesi delivered the Friday sermon at the institute’s mosque, emphasizing the centrality of the Holy Qur’an in shaping individuals and societies, and highlighting the role of educational institutions in preserving identity and instilling core values.
Following the visit, Professor Al-Meneesi took part in the deliberations of the top-level judging committee of the competition, which included an esteemed group of senior Quran recitation scholars, among them Sheikh Abdul Rashid bin Ali Al-Sufi as committee chairman, Professor Dr. Ahmed Issa Al-Ma’sarawi, Professor Dr. Kamal Qadda, Professor Dr. Mohammed Falah Mandakar, and Professor Dr. Suhail Mohammed Iqbal. The event showcased a high level of competition among Quran memorizers representing various countries, reflecting the global care and dedication given to Quranic sciences and mastery of recitation.
Professor Al-Meneesi’s participation highlights his distinguished scholarly standing in the field of Quranic readings and Islamic sciences. It also reflects the active presence of the Islamic University of Minnesota in international Quranic forums and reinforces its mission to strengthen academic and religious ties with Quranic institutions across Africa and the Muslim world, serving the message of the Qur’an and fostering unity around the Book of Allah.
